Thuraya Launches Broadband Satellite Terminal

By Eric Haun

Monday, June 02, 2014

Thuraya Telecommunications, a Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) operator, said it has further extended its maritime product portfolio with the launch of Atlas IP, a feature-rich broadband satellite terminal.

Thuraya Atlas IP is the second maritime-specific product launched by Thuraya in 2014 and is designed to complement the Thuraya Orion IP broadband terminal by offering a fully-featured voice and data product with additional functionality built in.

Designed and manufactured for Thuraya by Addvalue of Singapore, Thuraya Atlas IP is capable of standard IP data transfer at rates up to 444kbps and asymmetric streaming capability of 16kbps-384kbps. Thuraya Atlas IP is available with Thuraya’s range of pricing plans.

Randy Roberts, Vice President of Innovation at Thuraya said, “The Thuraya Atlas IP terminal cements our position as a credible choice for maritime users who value innovation alongside value and flexibility. As our second maritime terminal launch of 2014, Atlas IP represents an option for users who want an added value terminal that can act as a shipboard hub. Together with some of the most competitively-priced airtime packages available, it represents a serious challenge to the established order in maritime.”

The terminal includes a range of features designed to support improved communications functionality and enhance shipboard operations.

In addition to the voice and data capabilities of Atlas IP, key software components include a built in firewall, Wi-Fi and fleet tracking feature based on distance or time with accurate geo fencing. The terminal also has the ability to configure and limit data sessions by time or volume through a multilingual web interface. Corporate users wanting to take advantage of specific applications can choose a customization option to have their application embedded on the terminal’s core module.

The terminal is also designed to support operational efficiency on-board ship through Port Forwarding. Atlas IP can automatically forward data from shipboard equipment and devices to support M2M reporting routines. In addition to sending data to shore, land-based users can connect to the ship’s sensors remotely and receive data without the intervention of the crew. A continuous GPS output enables position reporting in NMEA 2000 format.

Rashid Baba, Director of Products at Thuraya, said, “In developing Thuraya Atlas IP, we listened very carefully to our Service Partners and the needs of our clients. Thuraya Atlas IP builds on the success of our Orion IP terminal in bringing a high level of connectivity and functionality to shipping at prices that reflect the desire of ship-owners to connect for crew and business applications but control costs of ownership and operation.”

Nigel Fountaine, VP, Sales and Marketing, Addvalue Innovation, said, “We are very proud to have developed the Atlas IP terminal for Thuraya to support their growing maritime business.
Atlas IP is designed to build on the success of our partnership with Thuraya in narrowband products and provide a solution that meets the needs of customers that require a highly feature-rich broadband terminal that gives users a one-stop solution to efficient shipboard communications.”

The Thuraya satellite network provides L-band coverage spanning Northern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North and South Asia and Australia. According to Thuraya, current estimates suggest that at least 30,000 merchant maritime vessels operate under its footprint, including thousands of vessels that previously could not justify the higher CAPEX and running costs of competitor offerings.